Page 22 of Rescue

“There is no deal,” I say firmly, though I feel my cheeks flush under her scrutiny.

Nancy eyes me like a hawk. “You’re blushing. There’s totally a deal.”

I roll my eyes, pretending to ignore her, though my lips twitch with a faint smile. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“It’s one of my finer qualities,” she quips, leaning back in her chair and brushing crumbs off her lap. “Seriously, though, you seem… I don’t know, lighter today. Happier. Something happen?”

Her words catch me off guard. My heart skips a beat, but I busy myself straightening the teapot and cups, hoping to dodge the question. “What are you on about?”

Nancy narrows her eyes, leaning forward like she’s examining me under a microscope. “You’ve got that look. You know, that ‘something happened and I’m trying to act normal but failing miserably’ look.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say, maybe a bit too quickly. My hands feel unusually clumsy as I pour the tea.

“Oh, come on, Abby,” she presses, her voice lilting with amusement. “You’re practically glowing. And you’re terrible at keeping secrets from me. Spill it.”

“There’s nothing to spill,” I protest, focusing on the tea as though it’s the most important task in the world.

Nancy’s snort is loud and wholly unapologetic. “Please. You might be good at fooling your guests, but I know you better. So, what is it? Did something happen with Jon?”

The mention of his name sends heat rushing to my cheeks, and I hate how easily she can see through me. I hesitate, the memory of last night still vivid, still fresh enough to make my stomach flutter and twist all at once.

Nancy raises a knowing eyebrow, the corners of her mouth curling into a grin. “Oh, my God, something did happen. Didn’t it?”

I sigh, defeated, and sit down across from her. “Fine. Something happened… last night.”

Her jaw drops, and she clutches her chest in exaggerated shock. “Last night? With Mr Broody himself? Oh, Abby, you didn’t!”

I glare at her, but it’s half-hearted. “It wasn’t… planned,” I mumble, my cheeks blazing. “It just… happened.”

Nancy’s grin is positively wicked as she leans forward, practically vibrating with excitement. “Details. Now. Spare me nothing.”

I groan, burying my face in my hands. “Why do I even talk to you?”

“Because I’m your sister, and you love me,” she says breezily, already helping herself to another biscuit. “Now, come on, don’t leave me hanging. I need every juicy bit.”

Reluctantly, I start telling her about last night, my words stumbling as I try to downplay the enormity of it all. Nancy listens intently, her grin never fading, and for all her teasing, I can see the genuine delight in her eyes. She’s impossible, but she’s also right—I’d be lost without her.

“My, my, who knew there is more to the good doctor than just being a grumpy sod,” she giggles.

“Do you think it was a mistake?” I ask her in earnest. If anyone will tell me the truth it will be Nancy.

“No! I don’t. I just don’t think either one of you will be able to stick to the part that this is just a fling whilst he is here.”

“No, we agreed!” I protest.

“Sure. Doesn’t mean anything,” she giggles.

And there they are again. The doubts from last night if this all is actually a good idea.

Chapter 8

Jon

The sun has beenshining ever since I arrived, a streak of good weather so out of character for Yorkshire that it feels like a cosmic joke. The path I’m on meanders through a patchwork of fields bordered by stone walls, heading towards St. Claire. It’s beautiful in a way that catches me off guard, the kind of beauty that doesn’t demand attention but seeps into you if you let it.

At the top of a hill, I find a good spot under an ancient tree and drop down into the grass. The village is visible in the distance, the church tower the most obvious landmark. I lean back against the tree trunk, pull out my phone, and open the map app to make sure I’m on track.

The device buzzes in my hand, a call coming through. When I seeTomon the screen, I hesitate. I’ve ignored every call and notification since I arrived, but this is my brother. He is persistent and won't give up easily, so I might as well get it over with.

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